Margaret Saunderson began her career as a dental nurse in her local town of Beith, Ayrshire. She qualified from Langside College, Glasgow in 1986. She remained in this practice for four years and then moved to a larger practice in Glasgow. After her daughter was born Margaret again moved back to a practice in her home town, though this made her look at her career and ways of progressing. During this period she gained her qualification in Oral Health Education and attended courses at the Post Graduate Centre in Glasgow.
In 2002, Margaret moved onto to become the Senior Dental Nurse for Lomond and Argyll Health Board, this involved not only a managerial post but also the opportunity to work in a wide variety of clinical environments, everything from a mobile dental surgery (in a gale!) to a theatre set up within a hospital. She continued her CPD gaining further certificates in Sedation and Special Care, and got involved in delivery of Dental Nurse Training and with local groups.
Margaret’s present role is Senior Dental Nurse Tutor for NHS Education for Scotland (West Region) where she is responsible for leading a team of dental nurse tutors based throughout the region, delivering a wide range of courses, predominantly for pre qualification. (Induction, National Certificate, SVQ and DNART) and Oral Health courses (NEBDN Certificate and Childsmile).
She became an examiner for the NEBDN in May 2007 and has become more involved in attending BADN meetings.